Happy Women’s History Month! This month we honor and celebrate women from the past and present, who’s lives serve to inspire us, educate us, and propel us into the future.
Let’s take a look back in time and see what we can learn from one of the strongest inspirational women of the Bible, Mary, the mother of Jesus. The story of Mary is one of great faith. Her faith in God to entrust her with such a great honor and responsibility—the virgin birth of the son of God! Can you imagine the doubt, the judgment, the rumors, and the gossip that she must have dealt with from her peers? Mary’s is also a story of the faith she had in her son, Jesus, the savior of the world. And the faith that it must have taken to trust in the Lord as she witnessed her son crucified on a cross.
At the Dream Center, we honor the legacy of these women of faith by doing our part to help those that are struggling. From single mothers trying to make ends meet, to women suffering from addiction or recovering from traumatic physical, mental, or sexual abuse.
With that in mind, we’d like to take a moment to highlight a world-changing woman who pioneered various programs that are now helping hundreds of women and families at the Dream Center—Pastor Caroline Barnett! She is a woman of action! Pastor Caroline saw a huge need in her community and decided to fill it.
Caring to intervene
Twenty years ago, Pastor Caroline visited a single mother with five children in need of diapers and groceries. Upon entering the residence, she quickly took note of the disarray—the bare floor, the lack of furniture and household appliances, and the blanket feeling of sorrow that shrouded the humble home. Before she could get a foot halfway through the door, Caroline was embraced by a handful of half-naked, half-starved children, who pried the raw vegetables from her hands, which she had brought for the poor family to cook at a later time.
As the young children immediately started devouring the uncooked vegetables, she thought to herself, “How hungry must these poor babies be to be consuming raw zucchini like this?” It was out of this heart-tugging moment that Caroline recognized the dire need, and the Foster Care Intervention (FCI) Program was born.
Foster Care Intervention outreach program
The FCI program team works with families who have open cases with the Department of Children and Family Services. Through this program, families receive furniture, groceries, and additional basic needs. These items allow families to avoid separation, support their reunification process, and ultimately help close their case.
We are inspired by Pastor Caroline, who continues to lead with humility, love, and grace. She embodies all the reasons why we celebrate Women’s History Month. Pastor Caroline is an inspiration to so many women, she doesn’t ignore the work that has to be done. She sees an opportunity, and decides to start something from the ground up
We honor all women this month and every month, who continue to lead, and pave the way for others. May we continue to support and champion women who continue to do the impossible. We honor women from the past and present, who continue to make a difference in the lives of others.
If you are touched by our Foster Care Intervention outreach program, please consider making a contribution of $35, $50, or $100. Your gifts will impact the lives of so many families as they work towards staying together for good.